Dronke, Minnie Maria (1904–1987)

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Dronke, Minnie Maria (1904–1987)

New Zealand actor, drama producer and teacher. Name variations: Maria Dronke, Minnie Kronfeld, Maria Korten. Born July 17, 1904, in Berlin, Germany; died Aug 28, 1987, in Lower Hutt, New Zealand; dau. of Salomon Kronfeld (barrister) and Laura (Liebmann) Kronfeld; m. Adolf John Rudolf Dronke (judge, died 1982), 1931; children: 1 son, 1 daughter.

Performed classical roles in Germany (1920s), as Maria Korten; moved to England (1938) and immigrated to New Zealand (1939); privately taught drama and voice production and established studio in Lambton Quay (c. 1951); directed, produced, and performed in plays (1940s); gave poetry recitals and broadcast series of talks for New Zealand Broadcasting System (1948). Named OBE (1980).

See also Dictionary of New Zealand Biography (Vol. 4).

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